Medicus, Vol. 32 No. 1. Psihoze, 2023.
Review article
Antipsychotics
Marina Šagud
Ivona Šimunović Filipčić
Ivana Klinar
Abstract
Antipsychotics are primarily used to treat schizophrenia, but are used in several other disorders as well, which is also recognized in Croatian guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia. The antipsychotic mechanism is based on the dopamine theory of schizophrenia and moderating the effect of dopamine on D2 receptors. Antipsychotics differ according to their effect on other neurotransmitter systems. They have an effect on negative, cognitive, and depressive symptoms. In the early stages of schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication yields the best results, thus preventing subsequent complications such as frequent hospitalization, therapeutic resistance, law-breaking, and substance abuse. Continuing antipsychotic therapy in any form prevents relapse as opposed to discontinuation of therapy. Side effects of antipsychotics depend on the mechanism of action. The most common side effects are extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, akathisia, weight gain, anticholinergic side effects, orthostatic hypotension, hyperprolactinemia, and prolongation of the QTc interval, but their prevalence differs depending on the type of antipsychotic. This article provides recommendations to diminish those side effects. When choosing an antipsychotic, we ought to be led by the symptoms that dominate the clinical picture, tolerability of the antipsychotic, and method of administration.
Keywords
antipsychotics; schizophrenia; guidelines; action mechanism; side effects
Hrčak ID:
308618
URI
Publication date:
9.10.2023.
Visits: 814 *